Opportunities & Actions

This page is regularly updated with opportunities of interest to our members. If you have something of interest to share with our members, please send the announcement to the VABF Administrator. There is no charge to VABF members.

Riverstone Farm is Hiring a Gardener

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, motivated and detail oriented gardener to work on our production-oriented, commercial organic vegetable farm.

Riverstone farm is a certified organic, wholesale vegetable farm in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. We are farming over 10 acres in cultivation with 2 in perennial crops and 8+ dedicated to annual vegetable production as well as over ½ acre in high-tunnels and greenhouses. The farm property consists of over 100 acres of mixed woodlands, pasture, cropland and river bottoms. We have small cabins available as residences for farm staff. We are in close proximity to the Josephine Porter Institute, Spikenard Farm and are a short drive from the town of Floyd and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We have an opening on our team for an experienced vegetable grower… someone who knows the horticultural needs of vegetable crops and can be relied upon in a professional setting to work both autonomously and as part of the team. Duties will include; planting, cultivation, care, monitoring, weeding, watering, harvesting and handling of crops as well as record keeping and other farm responsibilities. Experience working in high-tunnels is a plus. Must have A+ communication and organizational skills. Must be able to work hard and in a professional manner in a challenging and fast-paced environment. Summer days are long and hot. Some tasks are repetitive and tedious. Some days are glorious. The ideal candidate will find value in the real work that is farming and in the environment in which we live, work and farm. This is a job for someone who has decided that their future is as a farmer.

PROJECT GROWS hiring FOOD ACCESS COORDINATOR

Project GROWS (PG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational farm with amission to improve the overall health of children and youth in Staunton,
Waynesboro, and Augusta County, Virginia. We cultivate health by connecting children to nutritious food through 1) hands-on, gardenbased
education and 2) access to nutritious local food. Project GROWS cultivates 4 acres of mixed vegetables and perennial fruit on our farm in Augusta County, Virginia where we grow 25,000 pounds of food each year. We serve over 3,000 local youth each year with gardening, nutrition, and cooking education, and partner with 22 local agencies on food programs including field trips, summer camps, and
farm to school tastings.

General Statement of Responsibilities
The Food Access Coordinator (FAC) will work closely with all members of the PG team including the PG Executive Director, Farm Manager, Farm Assistant, and Education Manager. The FAC will primarily be responsible for 3 core areas of food access programming:

 Farmer’s markets: management, planning, promotion, fundraising, programs, and oversight (North
Augusta Farmer’s Market, Waynesboro Farmer’s Market, Youth-Run Farm Stand in partnership with the
Boys & Girls Club, Health Department WIC (women and infant children) market)
 Farm sales & donations: (develop relationships with partner organizations such as the Blue Ridge Area
Food Bank and cafeteria managers at local public schools, assist with CSA member promotion and
relationship management, establish wholesale partners, develop systems to record data)
 Community outreach & marketing – volunteer appreciation events, and summer volunteer night series,
community garden work days, working with community partners on off-site garden development.
Other Job Responsibilities Include:
 Develop systems for tracking quantitative and qualitative data in order to accurately measure the
impact of food access programs in the community and be able to relay that information via grant
reports
 Work closely with community partners to develop additional food access programming in the
community
 Chair a Food Access Program committee of the board
 Participate in farm tasks, garden education, special events, volunteer management, and
administrative tasks as needed.
 Assist in leading farm tours and occasional workshops as well as willingness to speak at conferences,
and to donor groups and other community groups.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
 Most importantly, Project GROWS seeks a flexible individual who is willing to take part in all PG
responsibilities and be part of a dynamic team
 Excellent communication and leadership skills, and ability to work well with variety of customers, vendors,
and community members including youth from diverse backgrounds
 A minimum of 2 years nonprofit or related work experience
 Detail-oriented with considerable attention to customer service, and timely communication
 A track record of success working in a cooperative team environment requiring a high level of planning,
communication, and documentation
 A desire to improve our local food system, work to understand the underlying causes of barriers to food
access in our community, and come up with creative solutions as part of a team
 Strong work ethic with a willingness to learn and work efficiently, as well as able to follow direction

Physical Attributes and/or Environmental Issues
The position is very much a “textured” position requiring of the Food Access Coordinator to be both comfortable in an outdoor setting gardening, comfortable working independently in an office setting, as well as comfortable providing instruction and/or workshops to youth and adults on and off-site.

Compensation
This is a paid position starting at $15-$18 an hour negotiable based on experience.
This is a year-round, 30 hr/wk position. Benefits include paid time off and a share of farm produce. Applicants
must be available to work most Saturdays during the farmer’s market season (May to September).

USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program

New Entry’s BFRDP APPLICATION PROCESS WEBINARTuesday, December 12th, 1pm EST
Join this webinar led by New Entry staff as we walk through the various components of application submission for your BFRDP grant. This webinar will cover aspects of the application package as well as navigating grants.gov. We’ll allow plenty of time for Q&A.REGISTER FOR BFRDP APPLICATION PROCESS WEBINAR

Also available to potential applicants:

FAQ Portal of common application questions answered by USDA staff – compiled last year

Project GROWS Education Manager(part-time 30hrs/wk)

Reports to: Executive Director

Project GROWS (PG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational farm with a mission to improve the overall health of children and youth in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County, Virginia. We cultivate health by connecting children to nutritious food through 1) hands-on, garden-based education and 2) access to healthy local food. Project GROWS cultivates 4 acres of mixed vegetables and perennial fruit on our farm in Augusta County, Virginia where we grow 25,000 pounds of food each year. We serve over 3,000 local youth each year with gardening, nutrition, and cooking education, and partner with 22 local agencies on food programs including field trips, summer camps, and farm to school tastings.

General Statement of Responsibilities

The Education Manager (EM) will be responsible for coordinating and implementing all aspects of education programming at Project GROWS. The EM will implement programming at the farm and partner sites including but not limited to curriculum development and modification, on-site instruction, in-school instruction, and the development of learning gardens in the community. Along with the Farm Manager, the EM will supervise and mentor youth staff and education interns including Fellows from the Allegheny Mountain Institute. In addition, the EM will be expected to participate in ongoing design, planning, and maintenance of farm. The EM will:

Manage and collaborate with other staff, interns, and volunteers to provide nutrition, gardening, and cooking instruction to youth and adult participants at Project GROWS

Manage and collaborate with staff, interns, and community partners to modify and implement food education taking place at partner agency sites and farmer’s markets and at community events

Meet with youth staff and intern(s) on a weekly basis to discuss performance and growth and provide him/her with any support and assistance he/she may need

Develop systems for tracking quantitative and qualitative data in order to accurately measure the impact of educational programs and make necessary adjustments to the programs

Develop resources and aids to accompany lessons, working toward a holistic learning experience that takes a student from the classroom, to the farm, and beyond

Manage all aspects of communication with local school systems, including teachers, administrations and nutrition directors, facilitating and managing field trips, staff visits, and farm to school activities

Develop and implement workshops on nutrition and gardening in the community throughout the year

Develop new lessons and strategies for connecting children to nature, including a comprehensive summer camp curriculum

Serve as the liaison and coordinator for the Youth Education Committee (a committee of the Project GROWS Board), and recruit community partners as members

Work closely with the farm manager to develop education-focused spaces throughout the farm

Coordinate the monthly Project GROWS newsletter and manage other social media as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Most importantly, Project GROWS seeks a flexible individual who is willing to take part in all PG responsibilities and be part of a dynamic team. Specifically for this position, Project Grows seeks an individual who is comfortable with and knowledgeable in development of curriculum, effective instructional strategies, and an interest in providing appropriate classroom management in a garden setting. Has experience and knowledge of working with children and youth from diverse backgrounds. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and an ability to manage various community relationships. Is very organized and has strong communication skills including managing a high volume of email requests in a timely manner and coordinating all scheduling. In addition, knowledge of the flow of a full season in a production garden and a basic knowledge of Permaculture and/or sustainable food production is a plus. All Project GROWS’ staff must be able to lift 50 lbs and work outside in physically demanding environments.

Physical Attributes and/or Environmental Issues

The position is very much a “textured” position requiring of the Education Manager to be both comfortable in an outdoor setting engaging plants, comfortable working independently in an office setting, as well as comfortable providing instruction and/or workshops to youth on and off-site.

Other Requirements:

Cell phone communication

Frequent computer and internet access

Reliable transportation

A valid driver’s license

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Criminal background checks will be required for final applicants

Compensation

This is a year-round, 30 hr/wk position. Benefits include paid time off and a share of farm produce. Weekend availability is required for special education events and occasional farmer’s markets (May through September). This is a paid position starting at $15-$18 an hour negotiable based on experience.

Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) seeks inspiring individuals to participate in the 2018 cohort of the AMI Fellowship program

Applications for Allegheny Mountain Institute’s fully funded Farm and Food Education Fellowship open November 1, 2017. The AMI Fellowship offers individuals an opportunity to learn sustainable and regenerative farming practices and to serve regional communities. Passionate individuals interested in improving community food systems have until February 1, 2018 to apply. Applications are found on the on the AMI website, www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org, and will be considered on a rolling basis.

The two-phase Fellowship is a program of AMI, an educational non-profit organization with the mission to cultivate healthy communities through food and education. The 18-month, two-phase Fellowship prepares and empowers individuals to become teachers and ambassadors for a more vibrant and accessible local food system.

The Fellowship consists of six months of immersive, experiential training in Highland County, VA (Phase I), followed by one year of service work with partner organizations in the region (Phase II). The Fellowship is free for participants and provides a $1,000 stipend upon the successful completion of Phase I. Successful Phase I Fellows are placed with partner organizations for the program’s second phase and receive an $18,000 salary for the year (less payroll taxes). More information about the AMI Fellowship, including how to apply, is available at ww.alleghenymountaininstitute.org.

In Phase I of the program (April 22-October 31, 2018), Fellows connect with the food system as they live, work and study on the Allegheny Mountain farm campus in rural Highland County, Virginia. Fellows gain a full season of experience in sustainable growing methods and small animal husbandry on a diversified farm. In addition, Fellows study topics such as permaculture design, whole foods preparation and preservation, wellness and nutrition, land stewardship, leadership, and community development through hands-on experience on the farm, expert guest instructors, field trips and educational sessions. More than a farmer-training program, Phase I provides opportunities for leadership and community engagement with local programs such as the Highland Farmers’ Market and Highland County School Garden Program.

“AMI has given me a toolbox filled with the knowledge of how to address issues in our current food system and build community in the process,” says 2017-2018 Fellow Elora Overbey.

During Phase II (January 2 – December 31, 2019), AMI Fellows gain experience as leaders and educators through first-hand experience and work placements with partner organizations around the region. Fellows contribute to projects such as coordinating school gardens and developing site-based curriculum, managing local farmers’ markets and promoting local producers. Supported by the AMI network, Senior Fellows continue to meet regularly for leadership and professional development. In 2018, AMI’s current cohort of Fellows will begin working with Partner Organizations including The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, Project Grows, The Highland Center and Allegheny Mountain Institute for their Phase II placements.

“Phase II is where it all comes together – it’s an amazing opportunity put all the skills learned in the first phase of the Fellowship into practice and make a real impact in communities,” says AMI Education Director and Alumni Jessa Fowler.

Applicants must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds, walk distances up and down steep hills, work outdoors for extended periods of the day, and be comfortable living and working communally as a team in a remote, mountain setting. For more information, please visit www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org, or contact Jessa Fowler, Education Director: jessa@alleghenymountainschool.org, or (540) 886-0160.

Allegheny Mountain Institute admits candidates of any race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to Fellows. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.

About Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI): Growing Food. Building Community, AMI’s mission is to cultivate healthy communities through food and education. AMI is a 501(c) 3 educational nonprofit that works to create a thriving network of collaborative, vibrant, communities that value the connection between food and health, and to support our region in developing a more secure and healthy food system.

Hobby Farm For Sale – 20 Acres – Charlotte County, Virginia

Hobby Farm- Heart of Charlotte County, VA. Bed & Breakfast Potential – 20 acres 2 homes $ 249,900. Country home built in the late 1800’s early 1900’s offers the best Colonial style of its day. Once referred as the”Harvey Plantation Home”, boasts fine construction and beautiful hardwood floors. Tall ceilings. 4 bedrooms 1 1/2 baths. Wood siding, 2 heat pumps, 4 wood working fireplaces. Living room, dining, kitchen with pantry. All appliances, includes commercial stove. Numerous outbuildings and partial fencing. Town water and private septic. Property has 2nd home 2010 24×48 Clayton double wide. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, currently rented. This provides extra family space or income potential. Acreage mostly open and also wooded. Are you seeking a new lifestyle? Slower pace of life? Have animals that need a home? Step back in time and enjoy the beautiful setting right before your eyes. Good schools, colleges nearby. Historical attractions, nearby Buggs Island Lake. Biking, wildlife, hunting. Nearby hospitals and good road systems. Don’t delay seeing this property. Be ready to have your family in before fall.

Organic Farming Research foundation – Request for Proposals for 2018 Research Grants

OFRF is pleased to release our Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2018 research grants. Applicants residing in Canada, Mexico, and the United States are eligible to apply. In particular, OFRF encourages farmers, ranchers, graduate students, early career researchers, veterans, and Extension personnel to consider applying for funding. The deadline for proposals is December 15, 2017. OFRF will notify applicants about funding decisions in spring 2018.

We selected our priority areas for the RFP based on direct feedback from farmers and ranchers across the U.S. These priorities reflect the top areas where investment in research will make a real difference in helping organic farmers and ranchers be successful.

Funding contributions are being accepted for OFRF’s 2018 research grant program. Your support will help bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. To learn more about how you can make a contribution to OFRF’s 2018 research grant program, please contact liz@ofrf.org.

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is a non-profit foundation that works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production.

Southern SARE Producer Grant Call for Proposals Released

The Call for Proposals for the 2018 Producer Grants, intended for farmers/ranchers and farmer/rancher organizations throughout the Southern region, is now available from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) program.

Proposal submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 at 5 p.m. EST. Announcement of funded grants will take place in late February 2018.

Producer Grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that solve agricultural production challenges farmers face and to develop information on what works and what doesn’t so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same challenges can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Producer grants are not designed to pay a farmer to farm; buy livestock, equipment, or land; make permanent farm improvements, or support private enterprises through capital investments. Southern SARE Producer Grants are research grants, designed to take some of the financial risk away from trying a solution to an agricultural production issue.

Projects may be funded for up to two years for a project maximum of $10,000 for an individual producer or $15,000 for a producer organization. Producer organizations should be comprised primarily of farmers/ranchers and must have a majority farmer representation on their governing board.

The Producer Grant Call for Proposals includes application information, use of funds, proposal submission instructions, and contact information. Be sure to carefully follow the information in the Call for Proposals when submitting your proposal. Failure to follow the submission guidelines will result in your proposal being rejected.

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

This December, the 2017 Census of Agriculture will be mailed to more than three million U.S. farmers. Your support in promoting the census is critical to its success. Over the next few months, please help us remind producers of the importance of their responses. It is through the census that they can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture.

This link to our Census of Ag partner promotional toolkit – https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Partners/2017/Drop_Ins/index.php – has some options that can be used to promote the survey and remind farmers about the upcoming Census. These can also be used in your social media posts – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Please feel free to use these as often as needed.

Thank you for helping to spread the word that the 2017 Census of Agriculture is Your Voice, Your Future, Your Opportunity. For more information and regular updates about the census, please visit www.agcensus.usda.gov, follow us on Twitter @usda_nass, or call me at 804-771-8560. Notice from Herman Ellison, State Statistician

Cost-Share Program Offered for Sheep and Goat Producers

The Greater Appalachian Sheep and Goat Improvement Initiative, funded by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Agribusiness program, is expanding to include the counties of Bedford, Campbell, Halifax and Pittsylvania. The program will offer cost share funding opportunities for both new and existing sheep and goat producers. Producers interested in participating will be required to attend an informational meeting that will provide information on program guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Two meetings are planned for interested producers. The first will be held on Monday, September 11th at 7:00 pm at the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Halifax County Office (171 South Main Street, Halifax, VA 24558). For any information about this particular meeting, contact Rebecca Slabach, Extension ANR in Halifax, at 434-476-2147. The second will be offered on Tuesday, September 19th beginning at 6:00 pm at the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Campbell County Office (163 Kabler Ln, Rustburg, VA 24588). The contact for information about this meeting is Todd Scott, Extension ANR in Campbell County 434-332-9538.

General questions about The Greater Appalachian Sheep and Goat Improvement Initiative can be addressed to the Pittsylvania County Extension office at 434-432-7770.

Candlelight Farms For Sale – 90 Acre Farm – Mecklenburg County, Southside Virginia – Buggs Island Lake $ 575,000. This awesome property features 90 acres of secluded land, 45 open, rest in your pines and hardwoods, 2 ponds. Currently operating as a goat farm. This has been the sellers passion for 40 years, and it is hard to give it up. In addition, Cape/Colonial design modular with 13 rooms, includes 6 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, gross living area of 3500 sq. ft. 1280 unfinished basement with Superior Walls construction. 2 bay garage and several outbuildings. The Conestoga building is 1800 sq ft. with office and kitchenette. 4 well points, 2 wells for feeding your livestock, whatever it may be. Cattle, horses, goats. Nature at its best. Abundant wildlife, just roam. Convenient to shopping, churches, and Buggs Island Lake. The beautiful home, Tony Hirst builder, was built in 2007 and plans were” The Warren”, with extra custom features. Beautiful cabinetry, lamanet/vinyl flooring, heat pump, and gas fireplace. All appliances convey. This versatile farm is only 5 minutes from the waterfront town of Clarksville on Buggs Island Lake. Make this your home for a lifetime.JUST REDUCED.

Alleghany Mountain School Urban Farm Intern

Reporting to the AMI Urban Farm Manager, the Urban Farm Intern will assist with the operation of a 3-acre farm site located in Staunton, VA. Duties include assisting with with vegetable production, and maintaining educational gardens and native wildlife habitat plantings. In addition, the Urban Farm intern will work closely with the horticulture teaching staff at Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) to carry out garden-based education curriculum.

TO APPLY: Please send a single compiled .pdf file including a cover letter and resume to david@alleghenymountainschool.org. No phone calls or mailed applications, please.

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Grants

Today, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is excited to release the priority areas for our next grant cycle. We strongly encourage all farmers and ranchers, graduate students, early career researchers, veterans, and Extension personnel to consider applying for funding. The request for proposals and application instructions will be available on OFRF’s website at ofrf.org on September 12, 2017.

We selected our priority areas for the upcoming request for proposals based on direct feedback from farmers and ranchers across the U.S. These priorities reflect the top areas where investment in research will make a real difference in helping organic farmers and ranchers be successful.

Sponsorships for OFRF’s 2018 grant program are currently available. Your support will help bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. To learn more about how you can get involved, please contact liz@ofrf.org.

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is a non-profit foundation that works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production.

Assistant Farm Manager, Dining Services Farm at Virginia Tech

The Dining Services Farm at Kentland Farm is a farm-to-campus program at Virginia Tech that provides hands-on education for students and produces vegetables, fruit, and herbs on six acres for campus dining centers. The Assistant Farm Manager will provide technical support in crop production at the Dining Services Farm and in a high tunnel at the Urban Horticulture Center. This position will also be responsible for managing a pilot hydroponic project located in Owens Dining Hall. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a unique and growing program that advances the sustainability of the food and farming system of Virginia Tech and the surrounding community. Please follow the link below for more details of the position responsibilities and qualifications, and to apply.

Lynchburg Grows is hiring!

Work with the Farm Manager to develop a production plan to maximize revenue producing potential through the sale of the most marketable produce

Plan and organize weekly CSA distribution with produce grown at Lynchburg Grows and by supplementing from local farmers

Write weekly CSA email, set up and break down CSA, and see to customer needs during pickup

Process payments and CSA membership registration

Sell produce to local restaurants

Help with communications at Lynchburg Grows through answering phone, scheduling tours and volunteer groups, and responding to emails.

Assist with day-to-day running of all aspects of the farm

Ensure all employees have meaningful tasks throughout the day

Assist Farm Manager with farm needs

Greenhouse Management

Prepare raised beds for planting

Assist Farm Manager to ensure raised beds are well managed and on production schedule

Work to enhance the aesthetics and orderly function of Lynchburg Grows grounds, packing shed, and work areas.

Supervision of volunteers and visitors

Work with volunteers, school groups, and other visitors to make the farm a safe and interesting learning environment

Give guided tours when needed

Ensure volunteers are given task suited to their ability and understand directions for fulfilling tasks

Produce processing

Ensure produce is properly washed and weighed for CSA and restaurant sales

Oversee quality control of triple-washing of greens

Ensure all produce is bagged or bunched at proper weight determined by CSA or Farm Manager

Train and assist all employees on proper handling and washing of produce

Assist with Veggie Van

Fill in as driver or volunteer as needed

Knowledge of van route and schedule

Assist with loading of van and ensuring volunteers have all necessary items for route

Prepare price list for van produce

Organize produce for van route each week

Maintain historic roses

Work with the farm manager to oversee maintenance of all roses in Greenhouse 3

Inspect and treat for any pests

Harvest and sell roses weekly during growing season

Other

Undertake any other duties as and when required such as assisting with fundraising events and campaigns

Qualifications

Two years minimum farming experience

Bachelor’s Degree

Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities

Appropriate computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and some understanding of Adobe Suite.

Proven ability to work under minimum supervision and to make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively, and creatively.

Comfort with ambiguity, the ability to respond adeptly to rapidly changing priorities, and ability to work well under pressure.

Experience with the use of social media for marketing campaigns.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Mission-minded with a strong interest in urban agriculture, working with special needs individuals and supporting regional food systems.

Demonstrated success in working as a member of a team and developing effective working relationships with Board members, staff, volunteers, the general public, and donors.

Please note: Lynchburg Grows is a non-profit, public benefit 501c(3) corporation and operates as an equal opportunity employer. This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the position.

Planet Earth Diversified in Stanardsville VA has openings for year round work!

Details are on our employment web site link. You may also Fax, Email, or Mail Resume and Letter of Interest describing why you want the job and what your special qualifications are (FAX to 434-985-4985). More than one position is available. Applicants need reliable transportation to and from work and a commitment to completion of time sensitive harvesting for daily orders.

BEST WAY TO APPLY is to Complete application forms at https://specials.planetearthdiversified.com/employment/ then email them or FAX them to get your application started. There is a lot of important information at that site too about the job and requirements. This is outdoor work as well as greenhouse operation – if you are allergic to the plants or are afraid of wildlife or if you have only worked in air conditioned spaces – it might not be a good fit.

We have openings for harvesting and packing and planting etc at the farm! Monday thru Friday – could be seasonal or year round with our greenhouses for the right people. Learn and be outside with the plants as well as packing quality greens and herbs in the packing room. Hours M-F 8am to 5pm bring bag lunch wear work clothes, must be reliable, on time, and consistent. Photo IDs and work documents required. Food safety training provided in English and Spanish.

8AM to 5PM with lunch break noon to 1PM standard hours, some part time, night or early morning and evening shifts available for specific skill oriented jobs.

Interested in facilitating a workshop at the BUGS conference but currently experiencing a financial hardship? Submit your workshop proposal, then send an email regarding hardship support. **Note: we cannot guarantee that workshop presenters will receive hardship support.** Inquire for more information

Any additional questions, please send an email to Regina Ginyard, BUGS National Coordinator at info@blackfarmersconf.org or send a message through the BUGS Facebook page

Primera LX900 Color Label Printer and Label Rewinder/Spooler

We’ll include 4 rolls of blank labels of various sizes. It’s just about brand-new, having been used three times.

It’s perfect for a company that wants to print small batches of labels in house. After printing, you just spool them onto a roll and apply them to a jar/bottle using a label applicator (not provided).

If you’re willing to include the listing, I’m happy to write up a little promo. Full specifications can be found here, and a couple of photos follow. We’re asking $2,000 for both pieces together.

New Tax Credit Available to Virginia Farmers to Help Reduce Food Waste

~ Nonprofit food banks benefit from fresh food donations ~

Virginia farmers have an incentive to donate excess product to nonprofit food banks thanks to the Food Crop Donation Tax Credit. Approved by the Virginia General Assembly during the 2016 Session, farmers who donate edible food crops to a nonprofit food bank can receive up to a 30 percent tax credit for their donation.

“Increasing healthy food access for all Virginians helps strengthen our communities and our economy,” said Commissioner Sandy Adams. “Local growers are often faced with more product than they can sell and food banks need more fresh options. We encourage Virginia farmers to take advantage of this tax credit. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

“Sourcing food locally can help the agricultural industry,” said Leslie Van Horn, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, which represents seven regional food banks in Virginia and more than 2,000 nonprofit food pantries and feeding programs. “It reduces food waste and helps give incentives to growers and producers to donate their bounty, but most importantly, it gives food insecure individuals across the Commonwealth access to food they need to thrive and prosper.”

Virginia farmers may apply for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the fair market value of food crops such as grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables up to a maximum of $5,000 per farmer for a taxable year. If a farmer does not owe enough Virginia income tax to use the full amount of the credit in one taxable year, the farmer can carry over the credits to the next five succeeding taxable years or until the total amount of the tax credit has been used, whichever is sooner.

The Food Crop Donation Tax Credit cannot exceed $250,000 annually for all qualifying taxpayers. If more than $250,000 of credits is requested for the year, a farmer may receive less than the full amount of the tax credit for which he or she applied.

SARE Cover Crop Topic Brief Now Available

Cover crops increase corn and soybean yields, reduce erosion and control weeds, say farmers responding to a recent SARE-funded survey. On top of all that, the number one reason they plant cover crops is to improve the health of their soil.

Given the many benefits of cover crops, are you looking for practical advice for planting them on your farm? SARE’s Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations is the perfect primer for farmers and agricultural educators seeking practical, research-based tips on cover crop selection and management. Brief overviews of cover crop economics, establishment, soil fertility, rotations, and pest and water management are enhanced with links to more detailed resources online.

The “Planning the Future of Your Farm: A Workbook Supporting Farm Transfer Decisions, Virginia Edition” has been developed to help Virginia families who own farm, forest and horticulture lands and desire to keep their land in production and/or in their family as it passes to the next generation. The goal of this workbook is to provide families with a resource to use as they complete the work necessary to transfer their farm land and/or farm businesses. This workbook was originally created in 2012 and has been updated and revised for 2017.

Organic Seed Alliance – Seed Internship Program

This is your chance to participate in addressing one of the most pressing needs in organic agriculture – and to develop a new enterprise for your farm.

Organic Seed Alliance ( https://www.seedalliance.org) is seeking to match the organic seed growers of tomorrow with the experienced growers of today.

The Seed Internship Program combines online and classroom learning, farm-based independent study, and real-world experience through a diverse network of family farms. Hosted by Organic Seed Alliance and the Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA), the Seed Internship Program matches individuals who want to learn about seed production with experienced growers.

Become an InternThe Seed Internship Program matches interns with host farms that provide on-farm experience and formal training in seed production. The six-month internships offer interns:Online, class, and field-based education Independent studies on the host farmExperience with the organic seed trade

Become a HostAre you experienced seed producer looking for interns? We need you to train the next generation of seed producers! Host farms receive:Assistance with matching the right intern for your farm Educational materials, webinars, and other support

Organic Certification Cost Share – now more readily accessible

Visit your Farm Services Agency (FSA) office anytime after March 20 to apply for the 2017 season

From Alyssa Charney, Policy Specialist at NSAC:
On December 21 of 2016, USDA announced the transfer of the organic certification cost share program to FSA. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) published a press release and blog, which you can read below, as well as USDA’s press release and the NOFA in public inspection (to be published in Federal Register tomorrow).

It’s important to note that State agencies now have the chance to “opt in” to directly administer the program as well.Â In states where the department does opt in, applicants can either go through their county FSA office or State Department of Agriculture to enroll. State Agencies that participate will continue to be able to contract with NGOs to deliver the program in a particular state.In order to ensure maximum options for producers, and in states were the program was run well, we strongly encourage folks to urge your States to continue to offer the program.FSA plans to partner and work closely with the states that choose to also administer the program. They also will hold a stakeholder call, including NOC and NSAC members, early in the year, so we will keep you posted with details as soon as that gets scheduled.

BRAVO 400 SPRAYER – $3,500

Tank Capacity: 400 Liters
Totally Rounded.
Not wetting the driver.
Low center of gravity = stability also in slope condition.
Tank content meter by large index and scale.
Optimal mixing of the spraying mixture. No sediment.
Total utilization of the tank content.
Fresh water tank with selector valve for a quick circuit flushing.
Chassis with impact-resistant belt, peripheral.
Steel keel for protection to ground.
Filling hole of tank on the left side.
Constant pressure regulator, micro adjusting.
Auto-filter: the pressure filter continuously flushed clear.
Never clogged. Never to be cleaned.
Anti-drift Propeller: Air Volume and Penetration Power adjusted in seconds.
Dosing Probe: Fast and safe. instantly sucking and mixing powders, granules and liquid chemicals.
The Air sprayers of BRAVO line are suitable for the spraying of the most various Trees Plantations: Vineyards, Orchards, Nurseries and Greenhouses, etc.

CALL BRISCOE WHITE 804-651-9469

Haygrove High Tunnels – $25,000

1 acre- 9 Bays 28’x 250’

Smart door frames

PTO Removing Tool

Standing- Buyer must disassemble and haul

CALL BRISCOE WHITE 804-651-9469

Virginia Farm Business Development Grants

The Virginia Farm Business Development Program is now available. Some of you might already be familiar with this new opportunity. Please see below and attached for more information and how you can help share the word with the farmers you work with. This program may help new farmers who have been in operation for at least 3 years.

Help in a statewide effort to make nutrient management planning more useful to farmers throughout Virginia!

The Virginia Nutrient Management Leadership Team, which is a collaborative effort comprised of 18 agricultural and conservation organizations and state agencies, is reaching out to farmers and ag industry professionals as part of a periodic assessment, to learn about challenges and opportunities relating to nutrient management plan development and implementation.

While Virginia farmers use and implement nutrient management plans to improve yields and reduce input costs, we are seeking to further expand farmer participation. Our goal is to understand the barriers to participation in nutrient management planning, and find ways to make it more useful to farmers without additional regulations.

Nutrient management plans recommend fertilizer or manure application rates designed to achieve crop production yield goals while at the same time minimizing fertilizer inputs and costs. According to Kristen Evans, with Sustainable Chesapeake,

“Nutrient management plans help farmers maximize their return on fertilizer investments – and in doing so, they also protect water quality, as fertilizer applied in excess of crop requirements can be lost to air and water resources. Because nutrient management plans support agricultural production, farm profits, and water quality, they are a high priority conservation practice.”

Darryl Glover is with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees the Commonwealth’s nutrient management planning program. He stated that:

“DCR hopes the results of the assessments will provide information that will help us find ways to encourage more farmers to obtain nutrient management plans.”

Wilmer Stoneman with the Virginia Farm Bureau, also noted that:

“it is important to do a periodic check-up of Virginia’s nutrient management program.”

We very much need you to weigh in, sharing your experience, ideas and suggestions. We would be extremely grateful if you would please complete the assessment, either in hardcopy or online. If you can, please help us reach as many people in Virginia’s ag community by sharing this with your colleagues and constituencies, now through mid-February.

The Radical Roots Farm Apprenticeship is an exchange of time and learning between experienced and new farmers. Apprentices’ learn the art and craft of organic farming through hard work in the fields, observation of successful farm ecosystems and participating in a mentoring relationship with experienced farmers. This immersion into all aspects of organic vegetable production gives new farmers valuable skills and experience to begin their career in organic agriculture. Whether they start their own farm or go on to work in public gardens, landscaping, school gardens or farm to table restaurants, apprentices gain a firm foundation and confidence to succeed.

Goals of the Apprenticeship

To share the skills involved in organic farming and the tools of the trade.

To offer apprentices an example of a successful organic farm so that they can learn the cycles of the growing season.

To give apprentices first hand working knowledge with specific crops, so that they can have a solid foundation of farming experience.

To support the hands on learning that comes through hard work in the fields with educational resources, garden reading, classes and field trips.

The Catawba Sustainability Center is now accepting applications for its 2017 Small Farm Incubator program!

The Catawba Sustainability Center’s Small Farm Incubator Plots program aims to incubate and grow viable, independent farm businesses and to serve as a model new-farmer program by providing access to land and resources in a low-risk environment.

Program Goals

Accommodate up to 8 new growers and small farms

Build infrastructure necessary to fulfill mission and serve as a model agricultural development organization

Provide educational opportunities and skills training

Support the local economy and local food system

The Catawba Sustainability Center (CSC) is establishing “Land-Use Agreements” with new and established farm businesses to utilize a portion of designated farmland to grow produce. The Center is committed to developing the incubator program, facilitating learning opportunities, and ensuring that land is available annually for new participants. All participants must follow the CSC’s Land Use Protocol and new farms must participate in one of the Catawba Sustainability Center’s training programs.

Beginning Farmer webinars – input wanted

If you have a topic you would like to speak about, know someone who may want to speak in a webinar, or just have a topic you want someone to cover, please feel free to email me with anything you wish. Some details about our webinars are included below:

Use the WebEx program through Virginia Tech

Speakers only need a working computer/internet connection and a reliable phone line (do not need to travel to Virginia Tech)

Presentations are given through a “screen share” option to share powerpoints, documents, pictures, and more

Aim for 45 minutes of material followed by a 15 minute Q&A session

Typically offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays around lunch time

We need suggestions from you all to keep these webinars interesting and relevant to beginning farmers and ranchers across Virginia. I look forward to hearing the ideas you all send my way!

Farmer Incubator Program at Bottle Tree Farm LLC

(Waverly, VA)

Bottle Tree Farm LLC, an 18+ acre farm on the edge of Waverly Virginia, 23890, is looking to assist young and beginning farmers to establish their own business growing and selling seasonal produce and related agricultural products. My wife and I are in search of a few (2-4+) qualified candidates to participate in our Farmer Incubator Program.

The two of us make use of only a small fraction of the farm and have always wanted to further opportunities for young and beginning farmers. To that end, we are willing to share our investment in land, equipment and other resources with a small number of prospects that have either classroom and/or field experience and who are looking to start their own agricultural related business.

We are looking for sustainable farmers willing to invest in the soil and land. Growing seasonal produce crops for direct to consumer marketing is likely the best use of this land. Livestock and fowl are logical extensions to add to the rotation of crops, for those willing to take on this responsibility.

Our Farm is conveniently located on US460 within 50-60 miles of 3 major metropolitan centers; 1) Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell; 2) Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and 3) Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton. Great marketing opportunities and potential exist for those willing to hustle.

There is a cottage on the farm and other affordable housing available nearby. Currently (2017) cottage is occupied If interested, please send letter of introduction to: info@bottletreefarm.com. Include summary of experience and resources you have and the type of business you are hoping to establish as well as any initial questions that you may have. Please include your current working business plan.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.
Bob Richardson
info@bottletreefarm.combottletreefarm.com

Riverstone Organic Farm in Floyd is seeking experienced Field Crew

Certified Organic farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains has an opening for an experienced field crew member. Applicant needs a working knowledge of commercial-scale vegetable production. People management skills a plus. Applicants will need to possess a passion for sustainable agriculture. Season one will be May through November. Full-time permanent position possible after that. On-farm lodging possible, food share, room for advancement.